Some of real estate's biggest voices joined REALTOR® Magazine's "Drive With NAR" podcast at NAR NXT in Boston to talk shop and deliver insights from the conference. In this special series, "Drive With NAR: Mic Takeover"—a collaboration with "Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered" co-hosts James Dwiggins and Keith Robinson, catch up on all the action, including:

• Industry insights and leadership lessons with Kevin Sears
• Election aftermath, affordability and market trends with Lawrence Yun
• What buyers and sellers are telling us with Jessica Lautz
• Gearing up for 2026 with Kevin Brown
• Navigating an evolving industry through education with Robert Morris
• Advocating for change: closing the homeownership gap with Bryan Greene
• Global real estate lessons and liability mitigation with eXp's Leo Pareja
• Housing counselors and equal access with David Berenbaum

As of Monday, NAR adopted 11 culture-centered recommendations. NAR's Executive Committee and Board of Directors approved the recommendations during governance meetings. The recommendations continue a shift that has been actively underway since October 2023.

NAR economists weigh in on home sales and mortgage rates—and how the election results, the economy and changing buyer demographics could impact your real estate business in the year ahead.

You have less than seven seconds to grab the attention of your followers, but once you do, you'll continue to build engagement.

There was a 59% increase in commercial and multifamily mortgage loan originations in the third quarter of 2024 compared with the same period during the prior year, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Nearly all property types saw an increase in loan volume, with health care loans gaining 510% year over year.

The real estate industry in India is experiencing significant digital transformation, with most businesses investing in digital solutions. This shift, accelerated by the pandemic, includes virtual tours, digital contract signing and advanced property management software. Data analytics and technologies like blockchain, AI and IoT are enhancing efficiency and customer experience, making digital adaptation essential for staying competitive.

When you're frustrated by a team member, avoid the temptation to paint them as a villain by realizing that we're all the hero in our own life story acting in ways we think are beneficial, writes executive coach Ed Batista, which can give us the perspective we need to form collegial relationships, even with rivals. "We can protect our interests and work toward our goals in a competitive environment while viewing other parties realistically and dispassionately," Batista writes.

Denver voters have rejected Measure 2R, an affordable housing initiative backed by Mayor Mike Johnston. The measure aimed to raise $100 million annually through a sales tax increase to fund affordable housing projects.